Sony A850 vs Sony S980

Here is a extensive analysis of the Sony A850 vs Sony S980, former being a Advanced DSLR while the latter is a Small Sensor Compact and they are both offered by Sony. There is a noticeable difference among the image resolutions of the A850 (25MP) and S980 (12MP) and the A850 (Full frame) and S980 (1/2.3") possess different sensor sizing.

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The A850 was brought out 15 months later than the S980 which makes the cameras a generation apart from each other. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Sony A850 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Sony S980 being a Compact camera.

Before we go through a more detailed comparison, below is a simple introduction of how the A850 grades versus the S980 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Sony Alpha DSLR-A850 & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S980. The entire galleries are provided at Sony A850 Gallery & Sony S980 Gallery.

If you are planning to carry your camera often, you need to consider its weight and proportions. The Sony A850 provides outer dimensions of 156mm x 117mm x 82mm (6.1" x 4.6" x 3.2") along with a weight of 895 grams (1.97 lbs) whilst the Sony S980 has measurements of 93mm x 56mm x 24mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") and a weight of 167 grams (0.37 lbs).

See the Sony A850 vs Sony S980 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you are working with at that time. Below is the front view physical size comparison of the A850 versus the S980.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability grade of the A850 and S980 is 54 and 94 respectively.

Oftentimes, its hard to picture the contrast in sensor sizing purely by looking through technical specs. The photograph below might provide you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the A850 and S980.

As you can tell, both of these cameras enjoy different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The A850 due to its bigger sensor is going to make getting bokeh easier and the Sony A850 will provide you with more detail having its extra 13MP. Higher resolution can also let you crop photographs far more aggressively. The fresher A850 should have an advantage with regard to sensor tech.